Titans: Not Just For Teens

Background

The book is always better than the movie, people always say. I don’t know that much about the Titans from the DC Universe, even though there have been a lot of popular TV shows. Despite all that, the trailer that aired at ComicCon was a mere teaser for what is to come. Thirteen episodes have been planned, probably already filmed, and will air sometime this Fall on their “own direct-to-consumer digital service.” Considering there are only 13 episodes, and it’s airing in the Fall, it’s possible it’s a tester season to see if people like it enough for a full 23 episode season.

Most people are probably familiar with the Teen Titans Go! animated series.

I am not. I was recently schooled on a very brief synopsis of what went on with other versions of these characters. It’s a little too much to talk about here, but I’m sure Wikipedia has a lot of information ready and willing. From what I understand, there are a lot of people not excited about this series, but I’m thinking that it could be just as good as Gotham, which has proved a hit with viewers. Batman is always pretty dark, but Gotham has a film noir style that sets it apart from other hit super-hero shows. Perhaps DC is continuing this darker cinematographic style with Titans.

Cast

I immediately recognized Dick Grayson, aka Robin, aka Nightwing (played by Brenton Thwaites). I recognized him as the main character Jonas from the film The Giver, which I watched so many times…. Anyway, I’m glad this guy is getting more screen time with a TV show.

Actress Teagan Croft, portraying Raven, has only been in two other productions, but she looks like the little sister of Chloe Grace-Moretz, in my opinion, even with the blackish-purple hair. (Makes me think of Hit Girl from Kickass, so I’m excited to see how she can handle her own super-hero.)

I didn’t recognize any of the other actors/actresses, but the IMDb website has all their previous productions online.

TV vs. Film vs. Publication

Ending at the beginning: the book is always better than the movie. I don’t know the storyline of Titans, and the trailer gives very little to go on for a season, but it does seem like something that can have a lot of potential. Considering Gotham’s audience, they might also tune in. Before I did my research, I thought Titans was going to be a movie. Glad I was wrong, because I feel that TV has a lot more to offer than films do. People have to wait so much longer for super-hero films than they do TV shows. I watch Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and Gotham, among others, but I don’t treat them like they’re the original story. Although, I enjoyed the newer DC Universe movies that have come out: Wonder Woman, Justice League, etc. Hate me if you will, but I am just a fan, through and through. I consider the “suspension of disbelief” considering directors get their own creative allowance when it comes to making the story. You have the characters, but must work within certain criteria; yet, you can change some things.

Overall, I’m enticed by the trailer, and I can’t wait to see how things unfold when the series actually airs. It has the potential to be amazing, from what the brief preview shows us. An audience is what it will need to survive, and depending on how the storyline unfolds, is how viewers will react. Only time will tell with this one, as much as I don’t like to use prolific cliches.